91.   His long absence fed speculation here and abroad that he might have fallen ill or might have met resistance to the hereditary succession.

92.   His long absence from the public eye has fuelled rumours, with ultra-nationalist firebrand Vladimir Zhirinovski asking last week if the head of state was still alive.

93.   His long absence had triggered speculation here that he was ill.

94.   A major earthquake could occur in Tokyo Bay in the near future following the long absence of seismic activity in the area, a seismologist warned Saturday.

95.   And with Pete Sampras recommiting himself to Davis Cup this year after a long absence, Dent has plenty of incentive to play alongside a tennis great.

96.   But despite his advancing years, long absence from Afghanistan and apparent lack of ambition, he has been made to work overtime since April.

97.   Chang Ung, secretary general of the North Korean Olympic committee, denies that the long absence has sapped his elite athletes of world-class competitive edge.

98.   Dortmund striker Heiko Herrlich and midfield clubmate Joerg Heinrich are both recalled after a long absence from the national team scene.

99.   During long absences from the Kremlin due to ill health, Yeltsin has come under increasing pressure to relinquish some of his sweeping constitutional powers.

100.   The report came a day after Mobutu returned to his country following a long absence during which he received treatment for cancer of the prostate.